CVE-2014-3004 in Utilities Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration for the Xerces SAX Parser in Castor before 1.3.3 allows context-dependent attackers to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via a crafted XML document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3004 represents a critical security flaw in the Xerces SAX Parser implementation within Castor before version 1.3.3. This issue arises from the default configuration that fails to properly restrict external entity processing, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit XML External Entity vulnerabilities. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that utilize Castor's XML parsing capabilities and rely on the default parser configuration without proper security hardening.
The technical flaw manifests when the Xerces SAX Parser processes XML documents that contain external entity declarations. By default, the parser configuration permits the resolution of external entities, including those that reference remote resources or local files on the system. Attackers can craft malicious XML documents that include external entity references pointing to sensitive system resources, network endpoints, or malicious servers. When the vulnerable parser processes such documents, it automatically resolves these external entities, potentially leading to information disclosure, denial of service, or even remote code execution depending on the target system's configuration and the attacker's objectives.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that align with multiple tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability supports initial access techniques through XML injection, privilege escalation via information disclosure, and persistence mechanisms through remote code execution capabilities. Organizations utilizing Castor before version 1.3.3 face significant risk when processing untrusted XML input, as the default parser behavior creates an implicit trust model that can be exploited by context-dependent attackers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications, enterprise systems, and any environment where XML processing occurs with user-supplied input.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3004 must address both immediate configuration changes and long-term architectural improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating to Castor version 1.3.3 or later, which includes proper XXE protection mechanisms. Organizations should also implement explicit parser configuration that disables external entity resolution andDTD processing through the use of features like setFeature("http://apache.org/xml/features/disallow-doctype-decl", true) and setFeature("http://apache.org/xml/features/nonvalidating/load-external-dtd", false). Additionally, input validation and sanitization should be implemented at multiple layers of the application architecture, and security-conscious XML parsing libraries should be preferred over vulnerable implementations. The CWE registry categorizes this vulnerability under CWE-611, which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, making it a well-documented and recognized threat in cybersecurity standards and practices.